GLEN BURNIE, MD (April 25, 2024) – The Maryland Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Administration’s Highway Safety Office is joining with the Maryland State Police to offer the free Maryland MOTORS (Motor Officers Teaching Other Riders Safety) motorcycle training class for the third year. Maryland MOTORS is open to all riders with a valid motorcycle license and insurance, and starts Saturday, May 18.
Maryland MOTORS is a safety class for civilian motorcycle riders taught by police officers. The two-part training consists of a classroom portion and a road portion where the civilian riders are accompanied by motorcycle officers on an actual ride. During and after the ride, officers communicate with the civilian riders on proper ways to stay safe, along with evaluations of riding techniques intended to increase their safety.
“Offering this class can benefit motorcyclists of all levels, from new riders to those with years of experience. Continuing education is a critical part of maintaining defensive driving and adapting to roadway situations, especially for our vulnerable road users,” said Chrissy Nizer, Motor Vehicle Administrator and Governor Wes Moore’s Highway Safety Representative. “Riders and drivers have a shared responsibility to ensure everyone makes it home safely.”
In 2023, there were 81 motorcycle-involved fatalities in Maryland. So far this year, 16 motorcycle fatalities have occurred. When there is a crash involving a car or truck and a motorcycle, the motorcyclist almost always loses. Because motorcycle riders are not protected by a vehicle like the occupants of a car or truck, motorcyclists are injured in nearly three out of four crashes.
Classes are available from May through September and open for registration on a first-come, first-served basis. Civilians interested in taking a class can sign up here. An additional list of training centers where riders can ensure they have the skills and mental strategies for responsible motorcycle operation can be found on ZeroDeathsMD.gov/Motorcycle.
Crashes are preventable. The Motor Vehicle Administration’s Highway Safety Office’s Be the Driver safety awareness campaign reminds drivers and riders to drive sober, put the phone down, slow down and buckle up when in a vehicle. The message to “Be the LOOK TWICE Driver” will be shared throughout the summer, depicting how a driver can easily see a motorcyclist one second, and how quick that motorcycle can disappear from view in a blind spot.
Learn more about Motor Vehicle Administration’s Highway Safety Office’s commitment to zero deaths on Maryland roadways at ZeroDeathsMD.gov and on Facebook, Twitter/X and Instagram at zerodeathsmd.gov.